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Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 106 reviews

This creamy chicken mac and cheese is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cooked chicken breasts, elbow macaroni, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with sharp cheddar and whole milk. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners, combining simple ingredients with classic flavors for a satisfying and delicious result.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it bubbles and turns light golden. Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add cheese and season: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked macaroni and diced chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is well coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal. Optional garnishes include extra shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or a dash of hot sauce.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
  • Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color.

Keywords: chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheddar chicken pasta, comfort food, dinner recipe, easy family meal

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/creamy-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/